The chill is in the air (finally!) and many of you are gearing up for fall festivals, trunk-or-treat events, etc. These are perfect opportunities to start building anticipation for next year’s True North! Here are a few ideas and resources to make that easier.
Each of the resources below is available for download as a pdf file and/or image. In many cases, I have also provided the Canva Template Link so that you may edit the file to make it better meet your needs.
Please give me feedback regarding any issues with these resources as well as any additional resources you would find helpful.
BANNER STARTERS Both Walgreens and CVS run amazing deals on their 2′ x 6′ and 2′ x 8′ banners. They come vinyl, a decent quality heavy paper, or an adhesive product that sticks directly to the wall. I have ordered all of these for various purposes and have been really happy with them all. I’m not a Walgreens or CVS affiliate…just a fan of their discounted banners!
Many of you design amazing banners of your own, but here are a few for those who would like a starter to tweak or a design that is ready to go once your own date and church info are added.
Here is the Canva Link for each of these. The Group True North logo is available on their website and can be added to any of these designs. Out of respect for their copyright rules, I will not share anything that includes Group clipart.
DON’T HAVE CANVA? No worries! Here are some images that you can download and use directly in the Walgreens or CVS site. They have tools that will allow you to add the date and your church info.
BANNER BEARS!
When Walgreens runs their 60% and 70% off sales, I love to think outside the box with banners. A 2′ x 6′ poster banner is often less than $15. I am ordering some “banner bears” that I can mount on cardboard with spray adhesive. This will be an inexpensive way to add some dimension with some free-standing bears that have some height to them. But they can also be used as is and incorporated into whatever backdrops and/or decor you are planning.
These are also a fun way to add pizzazz to your trunk-or-treat or True North booth at your fall festival!
OK, so this one’s not a bear, but what an easy way to make a giant eagle to soar up high!
Here is the Canva Link that includes these images. You can always do an image search of your own to see if there are other images you like better. If you want some smaller bears or cubs, you can also put two images in one design and cut the banner in half after it’s printed. Gotta love bang for buck!
Cardboard People Brown Bear Life Size Cardboard Cutout Standup
If you’ve got the budget for it, this guy is heads and shoulders above my little banner idea (Literally! He is 87″ tall by 37″ wide!)
As I’ve watched the posts popping up with requests for ideas for Trunk-or-Treat, my imagination has been active! I came up with a few ideas below. Forgive the choppy pictures. I didn’t actually create them in my trunk so I had to piece the components together just to provide some inspiration for you to run with.
I have included some Amazon links for some of the components. Full Disclosure: I don’t charge for anything on this site, but as an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. This is how I am funding this website to fulfill my commitment to keep absolutely everything that I’ve created free for any church to use.
FYI: In case you didn’t know, Amazon offers 6 months of free Prime membership for 18-24 year olds and then they receive 50% off after that. If you are in that age bracket or have a student in the home, you might want to check it out. Click here for more details.
BELECO 5x3ft Fabric Gorgeous Northern Lights Backdrop Norway Aurora Borealis Alaska Snow-Capped Mountains and Sea View Background Winter Night Polar Lights Backdrop Home Decor Photo Studio Props
Minetom Star String Lights Battery Operated – 17 ft 50 LED Star Fairy String Lights with Timer, Waterproof for Indoor Bedroom Tent Loft Bed Patio Party Wedding Decor, Warm White
These cute little star lights are affordable and have good ratings.
Boao Fake Fire Fake Flame Camping Decoration 3D Cardboard Campfire Centerpiece Artificial Flames Campfire Party Decoration for Camp Bachelorette Party Supplies(12 x 10 Inch, Red Orange)
Don’t have time to make a campfire? Here’s an inexpensive option that will add a nice pop (actually, 2 nice pops!).
If this guy isn’t too scary for your crowd, you can take advantage of the banner deals to print 2 banners to make this happen. Pick up some bean bags and you’ve got a fun display and an activity to go with it. Kids toss the beanbags into the bear’s mouth. (You might want to get this one printed in vinyl so it can hold up to the face hits.)
The banners (including the True North signs) are in the Canva Template Link.
OK, so I decided to try to make this guy a little less scary looking by making his fangs smaller. This one might be a better fit if you are primarily serving older kids. This idea might not work at all for the little ones.
Skylety 30 Pieces Small Bean Bags Bulk Mini Colorful Cornhole Nylon Bean Bags for Throwing Sack Tossing Beanbags Fun Sports Outdoor Family Games for Hand Toss Games
If you really want to get creative, use a permanent marker to draw fish on your beanbags. After all, the kids are feeding the bear!
Ambesonne Africa Tapestry, Grizzly Bears Fishing in the River Waterfalls Cascade in Alaska Nature Camp View, Fabric Wall Hanging Decor for Bedroom Living Room Dorm, 45″ X 30″, Brown White
This fun tapestry is sure to get the kiddos’ attention. Note: This has free delivery, but it isn’t a Prime item, so allow yourself time for shipping.
BeYumi 81Pcs Get Hooked on Jesus Christian Bulletin Board Set Under The Sea Tropical Fish Honeycomb Cutouts Name Tags Trim Borders Summer Back to School Faith Religious Classroom Sunday School Decor
How much do you still have leftover from Scuba? If you still have some fish, this will be super easy!
Irenare 3 Pieces Ocean Waves Plastic Tablecloth Ocean Table Cover Water Print Table Cover Ocean Sea Tablecloth Blue for Beach Pool Birthday Party Decoration Shower Supplies (54 x 108 Inch)
Did you save any of that “water” from Scuba? If not, these tablecloths would be perfect for draping out the back of the trunk.
TOY Life 4-Player Magnetic Fishing Game for Kids 3-5, Kids Fishing Pole, Toddler Fishing Pole, Magnetic Fishing Toy, Toddler Bath Toys for Kids, Kids Fishing Rod, Summer Pool Water Fish Toys for Kids
If you need an activity for the younger kiddos, you can always let them fish!
This idea is really ideal if you can round up a bunch of stuffed animals to go along with the theme. If not, don’t forget to check out your local thrift stores. Amazon has lots, but it will get a bit pricey if you have to buy them all. Here are some links if you need to round out your stuffy collection.
I posted my S’mores treat topper back in the summer, but I realize that sometimes a homemade snack isn’t the best option. Dollar Tree has boxes with 10 bags of teddy graham cookies, making them 12.5 cents each. Not bad for a promo item. Here are some treat toppers that will work well with those. You can also use any of these to top a baggie with just about any candy in it. Most the kiddos aren’t going to be overly worried about whether or not you matched the candy with the topper!
Keep in mind that Group has also created some beautiful treat toppers. You can download them here: Group’s True North Treat Toppers
All the 4″ x 4″ designs are in this Canva Template Link. If you aren’t a Canva user, you can click on one of the designs that doesn’t have the date/church info and then download it directly so that you can add your own info and print it.
TREAT TOPPERS (6.5″ x 4″ for Zip-Lock snack bags)
Here’s another super fun way to promote next year’s VBS! Grab some zipper seal snack bags and fill them with teddy grahams, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips. Print the treat topper (you can customize it using the Canva Link to the left), fold it over the top of the sandwich bag and staple. Voila! You now have a super cute and tasty invitation for an amazing adventure!
Know your date for 2025? Try this version instead!
Don’t have Canva? No worries! Download the images or the Word Document below and insert the True North logo. You can also add your church website and your 2025 VBS dates if you know them already.
Treat toppers aren’t for everyone. If you just need a flyer to hand out, here are a couple ideas to get you started. The Canva template can be edited with your info and Group clipart if you’d like it included. I’ve included the black-and-white printer-friendly version for those of you who want to avoid all that pricey ink. This can simply be printed on colored paper. Both of these are sized for a half sheet with a 1/4″ border.
The horizontal version below keeps it simple if you just want to put out the teaser without all the details. The Canva template won’t have the Group logo (so we can honor their copyright rules), but you can easily insert it if you’re a Canva user.
You can download the True North Logo here (just below the description of the content for all 5 days):
Here’s one more for ya! If you slit this one just above and below the bear’s paw, you can insert a lollipop (or any candy on a stick) for a fun little giveaway. Or skip the lollipop and just use the flyer as is. I’ve sized these 2 ways so choose the Canva Link that works best for you
This one is 8″ x 5″ (or 2 to a letter-size page with a 1/4″ border around each flyer)
This one is 5″ x 3.75″ (or 4 to a letter-size page with a 1/4″ border around each flyer)
NOT A CANVA USER? Here’s another option. Download this png or the Word Document below and you can edit right over the top of the image.
I’m working on a variety of activity pages for those who use them during VBS. In the meantime, I received a few messages asking for a basic True North coloring page. You are welcome to download either of these…or make your own edits with the Canva Template Link. Right click on either image and “save image as” a download to your computer…OR just download the pdf below.
Looking for a Fall Fest activity…or something for kids to do at your Trunk-or-Treat station? Print one of these banners in vinyl and you’ll have the cover for a themed bean bag toss or cornhole game. You can make it yourself by cutting some plywood or heavy duty cardboard (or asking Home Depot to cut a piece for you) into a 2 ft x 3 ft rectangle. Use some superglue to attach the bear. Use a hole saw to cut a circle for your target. You can get fancy and build a stand for it, or you can just lay one side of it on some bricks so it is at an angle (just make sure it’s secure so the bean bags don’t knock it down).
Here’s the Canva Link in case you want to make any changes. You can also resize these and make an 8 ft banner so that you have two 4′ x 2′ cornholes (which meets regulation in case anyone wants to get fussy about it…lol!).
Portable Cornhole Set with 2 Collapsible Cornhole Boards, 8 Cornhole Bean Bags and Carrying Case for Yard Toss Game, Indoor Outdoor Camping Games for Adults Family (3 x 2-feet)
Not up for making your own Cornhole? With some strategically placed grommets (which Walgreens will add for you), the vinyl banner could be zip tied to the frame of this cornhole game. It packs away in a handy case, which would allow you to hang onto it to change up the theme for future events.
Skylety 30 Pieces Small Bean Bags Bulk Mini Colorful Cornhole Nylon Bean Bags for Throwing Sack Tossing Beanbags Fun Sports Outdoor Family Games for Hand Toss Games
If you really want to get creative, use a permanent marker to draw fish on your beanbags. After all, the kids are feeding the bear!
6 Inch Hole Saw with Arbor for Metal Wood and Plastic Cutting, 152mm Bi-Metal Hole Cutter for Different Project with Smooth and Flat Drilling Edge, Fast Chip Removal, Handy Hole Saw Kit Set
Hole saws make cutting a circle in wood SO much easier than any other option. Hopefully someone in your church has one you can use. If not, here’s a good option if you want to make the investment for future projects as well.
Nothing plummets a child into a theme quite like a costume! This year is fun because there are options for every single Bible Buddy! Items as simple as hats that give the animal vibe…onesie costumes…and even inflatables. If you’re doing a Trunk-or-Treat, you’ve got to check them out!
Hat-A-Mals Soft Plush Bald Eagle Animal & Mascot Hat
Full Disclosure:I don’t charge for anything on this site, but as an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. This is how I am funding this website to fulfill my commitment to keep absolutely everything that I’ve created free for any church to use.
Amazon Prime has a great deal for young adults and students. If you weren’t aware, you can get 6 months for free and then 50% off if you are between the ages of 18 and 24 or you are a student. Makes me wish I were that young again!
